How to Get Milk Smell Out of Sippy Cups and Containers

Sour milk is an unfortunately common issue for parents. Often, the milk turns bad when a sippy cup is left behind in a hot car or when the cup finds itself at the bottom of a diaper bag or behind the couch. While pouring out lumpy, sour milk is pretty gross, the smell is even worse.

Unfortunately, that smell can linger on the containers and cups. This can impact the taste of your child’s drink even after the cup has been washed in the dishwasher. So, how do you get milk smell out of sippy cups and containers?

How Milk Residues Can Lead to Sour Smells If Not Cleaned Promptly

Even when you dump the remaining milk out of a container immediately after finishing the drink, some milk is left in small spaces in the cup or clinging to the inner sides.

This milk residue begins going bad after only a few hours. The best way to prevent sour milk residue and smells is by cleaning the container promptly. However, this unfortunately doesn’t always happen.

Deep Cleaning Methods for Persistent Odors

The intense heat of your dishwasher coupled with detergent and high water pressure will remove milk and residue in most instances. However, when the smell lingers, deep cleaning is in order.

These are a few effective deep cleaning methods for dealing with persistent odors in your containers and cups.

White Vinegar Soak

Combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a container large enough to immerse the sippy cup in. Soak the cup for at least an hour.

Then, use a bottle brush, liquid dish soap and warm water to clean the cup. Rinse it thoroughly, and then wash the cup in the dishwasher as usual.

Baking Soda Treatment

Handwash the sippy cup using liquid dish soap, warm water and a bottle brush. After rinsing out the cup with fresh water, pour a tablespoon of baking soda into the cup.

Fill it with water, and put the lid on the cup. Shake the cup vigorously for a few minutes. Then, rinse it and wash it as usual.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Combination

Vinegar and baking soda create a chemical reaction when combined together. This reaction releases energy that provides extra cleaning power.

Add a tablespoon of baking soda to the cup, and fill it about ¾ full. Let the solution sit until the fizzing stops. Then, use a brush to scrub the cup before rinsing it out.

Freezing Method

Freezing temperatures kill bacteria growing inside sippy cups. First, wash the sippy cup as usual. Then, dry it and place it in the freezer overnight. When you remove it in the morning, the cup will be clean and odor-free.

Sterilization Techniques

While sour milk smells are one concern, bacteria and mold growth are equally concerning. How can you safely sterilize sippy cups?

Boiling

Boiling water is a tried and true sterilization method. Use a large enough pot to submerge the cup in.

Fill the pot with hot water, and place the cup in it. Boil the water for at least 10 minutes. Allow time for the water to cool off before removing the cup from the water.

Dishwasher Use

A typical dishwasher usually gets hot enough to sterilize your dishes. Before placing the sippy cup in the dishwasher, handwash it using soap, warm water and a bottle brush.

Then, run it through the dishwasher using the highest heat setting for the drying cycle.

Microwave Sterilizers

If the cup is microwave-safe, you can sterilize it in the microwave. First, handwash the cup using dish soap and warm water. Full the cup half full of water. Run the microwave on high heat for 90 seconds. You can then rinse out the cup and use it.

How Often Should I Replace Sippy Cups or Their Parts?

The longevity of a sippy cup depends on the type of material it is made with as well as how often it is cleaned and how it is used.

A sippy cup should be replaced if it is damaged, such as by a child gnawing on it. In addition, it should be replaced if it is discolored, has cracks or has a smell that you cannot remove.

Tough stains and odors are problematic in your dishes and elsewhere throughout your home. At Cleanzen, we make it easy for you to tackle challenging cleaning problems and get your house clean fast. Contact us today to book cleaning service with the Cleanzen team.